EMG 808X 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3328
Description
EMG 808X 8-String Active Soapbar Pickup in Black
The EMG 808X captures clarity and punch across the full 8-string spectrum, engineered with active circuitry to maintain articulation and definition on low-tuned extended-range instruments. This soapbar-format pickup combines alnico magnets with wide aperture coils to translate the resonance of deep strings into a recorded signal with minimal muddiness—essential when tracking modern metal, progressive, and experimental productions where every harmonic matters in the mix.
Design & Build Quality
The pickup measures 101.6 mm wide by 38.1 mm tall with a compact 22.4 mm installation depth, fitting standard soapbar routes while remaining shallow enough for most cavity configurations. Alnico 5 magnets paired with wide aperture coils ensure balanced output across all eight strings, and the solderless Quik-Connect wiring system simplifies installation and future modifications without requiring a soldering iron.
Electronics & Connectivity
The active circuit runs from a single 9V battery, delivering consistent gain and low noise across extended frequency ranges crucial for 8-string clarity during recording and live playback. The system includes an active tone pot with low-pass filter for sculpting response at the source, stereo output socket, and multiple connection options via the 2 Pickup In/Out-Bus configuration, enabling flexible signal routing and integration into modern tracking setups and guitar electronics schemes.
Key Features
- Active pickup with single 9V battery operation
- Alnico 5 magnet construction
- Soapbar housing format, 101.6 mm width × 38.1 mm height
- Installation depth: 22.4 mm
- Wide aperture coils for 8-string clarity
- Solderless Quik-Connect wiring system
- Active tone pot with low-pass filter (VLPF)
- 25k volume pot included
- Stereo output socket
- 2 Pickup In/Out-Bus configuration
- Mounting screw spacing: 95.3 mm
- Made in USA since December 2010
This pickup combines EMG's proven active technology with design elements specifically optimized for extended-range 8-string instruments, delivering the articulation and output consistency required for professional recording and production work on extended-range guitars.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 808X is an active 8-string soapbar pickup that resolves low-tuned strings with precision and minimal noise, ideal for recording heavy and progressive music where definition matters as much as impact. Its wide aperture coils and Alnico 5 construction capture the full frequency spectrum across all eight strings without losing articulation, while the included active tone pot with low-pass filter lets you shape tone during mixing and overdubs. Session-friendly Quik-Connect wiring means faster tracking setups, and the stereo output socket opens routing options for blend and parallel processing.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Extended Range
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Traditional Acoustic Music
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this pickup fit my 8-string guitar?
The 808X is a soapbar format measuring 101.6 mm wide × 38.1 mm tall with a 22.4 mm installation depth, designed to fit standard soapbar routes on extended-range instruments. Confirm your guitar's cavity matches these dimensions and that your body can accommodate the shallow depth before ordering.
What kind of tone should I expect?
The 808X delivers articulate low-end definition, high output, and tight clarity across all eight strings without loss of definition in drop tunings. The active circuit includes a low-pass filter tone pot for sculpting response, and the wide aperture coils ensure balanced output whether you're playing sub-bass frequencies or traditional treble strings.
Do I need to solder this pickup?
No—the EMG 808X uses a solderless Quik-Connect wiring system, so installation and future modifications do not require a soldering iron. The system runs on a single 9V battery and includes a 25k volume pot and stereo output socket.
Is this pickup good for jazz or blues?
The 808X is engineered for metal, progressive, djent, and extended-range modern contexts. Its high-output active design and tight frequency response are optimized for clarity in down-tuned and extended-range scenarios, making it less suited to jazz, blues, or traditional acoustic music.
How does the active circuit work, and what does it require?
The active circuit operates from a single 9V battery, delivering consistent gain and low noise across extended frequency ranges. It includes an active tone pot with low-pass filter for tone shaping and supports a 2 Pickup In/Out-Bus configuration for flexible routing into modern guitar electronics.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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